Throughout September, The Tablet will be writing and reporting on National Recovery Month to help raise awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders. The goal of the observation is to reduce stigma, promote education, and provide support to individuals and families affected by addiction.
The annual observance is used to bring awareness to addiction-related issues. It serves as a platform to educate the public about the nature of addiction, risk factors, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. This month-long campaign aims to create a more supportive and understanding community for those affected by addiction.
Part of our month-long reporting will be to recognize individuals recovering from addiction. It will highlight the importance of ongoing support, resources, and treatment to help maintain sobriety and mental wellness. We hope to emphasize that recovery is possible and that individuals in recovery deserve respect and encouragement.
The number of people who suffer from addiction is staggering. According to the American Addiction Centers, an estimated 46.8 million (16.7%) Americans, age 12 and older, have battled a substance use disorder in the past year alone.
This month allows communities, organizations, and individuals to come together to address the challenges associated with addiction, offer support, and promote the importance of seeking help for substance abuse disorders. The following are the key objectives:
Educate the Public: National Recovery Month aims to educate the public about the complexities of addiction, the impact it has on individuals and society, and the available treatment options. By providing accurate information, this observance seeks to dispel misconceptions and promote a better understanding of addiction as a disease.
Promote Early Intervention: Early intervention is crucial in addressing addiction. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction and encourages individuals to seek help promptly. By promoting early intervention, the observance aims to improve treatment outcomes and prevent the escalation of substance use disorders.
Provide Support: It serves as a platform to provide support and resources to individuals and families affected by addiction. It highlights the availability of treatment options, support groups, counseling services, and other resources that can aid recovery.
Advocate for Change: Raising awareness about addiction and its impact can help in advocating for policy changes, increasing funding for addiction treatment and prevention programs, and improving access to quality care. It aims to influence societal attitudes towards addiction and ensure that individuals with addiction receive the support and resources they need to recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Lastly, the reporting will demonstrate the reduction of the stigma surrounding addiction.
By promoting understanding and compassion, we aim to create a more supportive environment for individuals and families affected by addiction. Stigma often acts as a barrier to seeking help, as it can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.
September is about changing this narrative by highlighting that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing.
It emphasizes that recovery is possible and that individuals in recovery deserve respect, support, and life-changing resources.